11/05/2010

“Can science and innovation build a more sustainable food chain?”

This conference, attended by the Spanish Presidency of the EU and representatives from EFSA and community and Italian institutions, attempted to find answers to the questions facing those working in the food chain, such as how to provide healthy and safe food to a total population which is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, how to guarantee that agricultural and food systems are sustainable in the long-term and the best way to promote innovation along the food chain.

In his speech, Roberto Sabrido, the AESAN President, stated that “We understand that if we really want to be sustainable, we not only need to assess safety risks, but also the social, economic and environmental repercussions. In this way food safety policies must always work together with food and agriculture policies. Europe must learn to sell its high quality system on an international level whilst at the same time making it more sustainable”.

Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, EFSA Executive Director, talked of a prosperous European food industry, backed up by centuries of tradition and know-how. Innovation, she said, can bring great benefits both to the consumer and to the environment and it is important to assess the risks and benefits of new technology.

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, declared: “I am a great defender of innovation, and am fully committed to maximising the advantages that science can offer – but not at any price. Innovation must be in line with society’s values, it must offer clear and visible benefits for the consumer, and it must go hand-in-hand with effective communication”.

The conference, which took place on 10 May, was organised by EFSA and the Directorate-General of Health and Consumer Affairs, and coincided with the opening of the 15th edition of Cibus, the International Food Exhibition.

Speeches:

- European Commissioner. John Dalli (PDF, 32 Kb)

- AESAN President. Roberto Sabrido (PDF, 92 Kb)

- EFSA Executive Director. Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle (PDF, 60 Kb)